Japan sent an upgraded HTV-X cargo module on its way to the International Space Station for the first time, launching at 9 a.m. local Japan time on Oct. 26th from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center atop an H3 rocket. Developed by Japan’s JAXA organization and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the HTV-X is an upgraded form of the HTV craft, which conducted nine successful missions to the ISS between 2009 and 2020, and features a number of improvements and upgrades.
Until now, there have been only three rated cargo vehicles fit for transferring hardware and supplies to the International Space Station. Russia has its Progress vehicle, which launches atop Soyuz rockets, while Northrup Grumman and SpaceX have the Cygnus (recently Cygnus XL) and Dragon capsules. With the launch of HTV-X, we may have another if its planned rendezvous with the ISS on Oct. 29 goes off without a hitch.
Based on a similar design to the original HTV, HTV-X is smaller and lighter, shedding 4 feet in length from its predecessor. That said, it can still carry 13,200 pounds of cargo to the ISS when launched at full capacity. The new version has also been upgraded with a larger payload fairing and dispenser (4.4 meters, rather than 1.7 meters), enabling larger payloads. It is also designed to continue operating after its ISS cargo mission, potentially staying in orbit for an additional year and a half. That gives it the ability to act as a platform for experiments or to provide additional data through onboard sensor systems.
JAXA is considering expanding the HTV-X’s capabilities into the future, too. The module has been proposed as a potential cargo vehicle for future Lunar Gateway missions and for sending supplies to other manned space stations in Low Earth Orbit after the ISS retires in or around 2030.
Despite its extended lifespan, though, the HTV-X is still a single-use craft and will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere after its work is complete.
